Frame system for membrane filtration modules

ABSTRACT

A module arrangement ( 5 ) according to an embodiment of the invention consists of a plurality of membrane modules ( 6 ) arranged in a two dimensional array ( 7 ) and extending between upper and lower block-type manifolds ( 8 ) and ( 9 ), respectively. The array of modules is further divided into sub-groups of modules ( 10 ) separated from each other by space ( 11 ) extending transversely across the membrane array ( 7 ). An integrated support frame ( 12 ) is positioned in the space ( 11 ) between the sub-groups ( 10 ) and is fixed to the upper and lower manifold blocks ( 8 ) and ( 9 ) to form an integrated support structure within the module array ( 7 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/055,284, titled “FRAME SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FILTRATION MODULES,” filed on Jan. 21, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,981 which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT application PCT/AU2009/000965, titled “FRAME SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FILTRATION MODULES,” filed on Jul. 29, 2009, which claims priority to Australian provisional application 2008903797, titled “FRAME SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FILTRATION MODULES,” filed on Jul. 24, 2008, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to membrane filtration systems employing banks of membrane modules and, more particularly, to support or mounting frames and methods for such modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular filtration systems employing arrays of membrane modules connected by common fluid flow manifolds are used to allow systems of varying capacity to be constructed according to the needs of a particular customer. These systems are typically constructed by building the module array and then an independent external frame or “exoskeleton” is built around the module array either in the factory or onsite to support the modules and provide a robust structure. Typically, the frames and module arrays are manufactured and transported separately due to size constraints and the assembled on site. This involves a lot of expensive “double handling” the various components of the eventual operating system.

Such support structures require costly design and manufacture as well as different designs each time the size of the module array is varied. There is a need for a simpler support system which can easily accommodate varying system size requirements while reducing structure size and cost. A compact structure enables shipping of the complete system as a single unit from the manufacturing factory to the user's site.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a filtration system comprising a plurality of membrane modules arranged in an array and the membrane module array being divided into membrane module array sub-groups by a spacing between numbers of modules within the membrane module array and an integrated support member located within said spacing to support said membrane module array.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for providing structural support to an array of membrane filtration modules in a filtration system comprising the steps of:

forming a number of sub-groups of modules within the array of filtration modules by providing a spacing between a number of modules forming a sub-group;

locating a structural support member within the spacing between adjacent sub-groups.

Preferably, the membrane modules extend between first and second fluid communicating manifolds and the support member is connected to at least one of said manifolds to support said membrane module array. For preference, the manifolds comprise upper and lower manifolds and the membrane modules extend generally vertically therebetween. Preferably, a number of support members may be connected together to form a support structure.

The membrane modules may comprise bundles of hollow fibre membranes extending between spaced headers. The filtration system may be a pressurised or non-pressurised submersed membrane filtration system.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a left side isometric view of a module arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a right side isometric view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a left side elevation view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an end elevation view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a right side elevation view of a module arrangement according embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 a shows an elevation view of the frame employed in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 b shows a left side elevation view of the frame employed in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 c shows a right side elevation view of the frame employed in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 d shows a plan view of the frame employed in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a left side isometric view of a module arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a left side elevation view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows an end elevation view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the frame employed in the module arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of a module arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a module arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a module arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of a module arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a left side end elevation view of the module arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a right side end elevation view of the module arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 shows an isometric view of a module arrangement according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 19 shows a right side elevation view of a module arrangement according to embodiment of FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a module arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

The module arrangement 5 consists of a plurality of membrane modules 6 arranged in a two dimensional array 7 and extending between upper and lower block-type manifolds 8 and 9, respectively. The array of modules is further divided into sub-groups of modules 10 separated from each other by space 11 extending transversely across the membrane array 7. An integrated support frame 12 is positioned in the space 11 between the sub-groups 10 and is fixed to the upper and lower manifold blocks 8 and 9 to form an integrated support structure within the module array 7.

The support frame 12 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 a to 6 d. The support frame 12, according to this embodiment, is generally inverted U-shape in configuration having an upper cross portion 13 and a pair of downwardly extending arms 14 and 15 respectively. Associated flanges 16 and 17 are provided at the end of each arm 14 and 15 for connection to the lower manifold block 9. A laterally extending cross member 18 is provided adjacent the upper cross portion 13 for connection to the upper manifold block 8 and hangs therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a module arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. This embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment described above with some minor changes.

In this embodiment, the upper and lower manifold blocks 8 and 9 are provided with further upper manifold pipes 19 and 20 extending along opposite sides of the upper manifold blocks 8 and further lower manifold pipes 21 and 22 extending along opposite sides of the lower manifold blocks 9.

The frame used in this embodiment is best shown in FIG. 11. The support frame 12, according to this embodiment, is generally rectangular-shaped in configuration having a base portion 23 and a pair of upwardly extending arms 14 and 15 respectively, extending to an upper cross portion 13. The upper cross portion 13 has a pair of cross members 24 and 25 provided at each end 26 and 27 and extending at right angles with respect to the rectangular body of the support frame 12.

Respective strengthening gussets 28, 29, 30 and 31 are provided between the cross portion 13 and the cross members 24 and 25.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the support frame 12 sits within the space 11 between the sub-groups 10 and hangs from the upper manifold blocks by means to of the cross members 24 and 25 which extend longitudinally along the upper manifold blocks 8 generally parallel to the upper manifold pipes 19 and 20.

FIGS. 12 to 13 show three different embodiments of the invention employing different support structures for the support frame.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the frame 12 in this is embodiment is generally “hatch” shaped in configuration with each portion of the frame 12 extending beyond the portion to which it joins. As shown, the extended portions 32 and 33 of the upper cross portion 13 support the upper manifold pipes 19 and 20. The extended portions 34 and 35 of the base portion 23 sit above the lower manifold pipes 21 and 22 and may be attached thereto by suitable fittings.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the frame 12 in this embodiment is generally rectangular-shaped in configuration with only the base portion 23 and the upper cross portion 13 of the frame 12 extending beyond the portion to which it joins. As shown, the extended portions 32 and 33 of the upper cross portion 13 are connected to a respective spool piece 36 and 37 located in the upper manifold pipes 19 and 20 adjacent the space 11. The extended portions 34 and 35 of the base portion 23 are also connected to a respective spool piece 38 and 39 located in the lower manifold pipes 21 and 22 adjacent the space 11.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the frame 12 in this embodiment is generally rectangular-shaped in configuration with an open base portion and the upper cross portion 13 of the frame 12 extending beyond the portion to which it joins. As shown, the extended portions 32 and 33 of the upper cross portion 13 are connected to the upper manifold pipes 19 and 20 adjacent the space 11. The lower portion of the frame is provided with longitudinally extending rails 41 and 42 which extend parallel to and inwards of the lower manifold pipes 21 and 22. The rails 41 and 42 may join with other frames along the length of the module array 5 to form a skid on which the module array 5 is supported.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show a further embodiment of the invention where the unused block manifolds located at end of the space 11 between the module sub-groups are employed to provide further fluid flow capacity to the module array 5. As best shown in FIG. 15, the unused manifold blocks 43, 44 and 45 may be rotated through 90 degrees or provided with a T-piece to allow connection of further piping 46, 47, 48 and 49, which extends parallel with the moulded block manifolds and provides for additional fluid flow paths from the upper and lower manifolds of the module array 5. These additional fluid flow paths may be used to provide additional feed, filtrate and waste drain flows to the module array through piping 46, 47 and 48/49, respectively.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a further a further embodiment of the invention where the support frames 12 are joined to longitudinally extending support rails 50 and 51. Again the support frame 12 is generally “hatch” shaped in configuration with each upper portion of the frame 12 extending beyond the portion to which it joins. As shown, the extended portions 32 and 33 of the upper cross portion 13 support the respective longitudinally support rails 51 and 52. The base of each of the vertical arms 14 and 15 of each support frame 12 are provided with support feet or flanges 52 and 53 for fixing the module arrangement to a support base when installed. The support rails 51 and 52 sit to beneath the outer upper manifold blocks 8 to support the membrane module array 7. The support frames 12 are positioned at each end of the array 7 and within the space 11 between module sub-groups 10. The support rails 51 and 52 are in the form of I-shaped beams and the upper cross members 13 are C-shaped in cross-section to provide maximum strength at low weight.

It will be appreciated the use of a support system, as described above, enables the filtration system to be constructed as single unit which can be readily transported to user sites. The system can also be readily adapted to different size and capacity requirements as desired by a customer without the requirement for redesign of the support system. The use of the integrated support system enables, in some embodiments, for the overall footprint of the system to be reduced leading to reduced transport and site costs. The number of support members can be readily changed to allow for varying degrees of structural integrity, as required, for example in regions of high seismic activity.

It will be appreciated that further embodiments and exemplifications of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention described. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A filtration system comprising: a plurality of membrane modules arranged in a membrane module array divided into membrane module array sub-groups by a spacing between a first plurality of modules forming a first sub-group and a second plurality of modules forming a second sub-group, the membrane modules extending between a first fluid communicating manifold and a second fluid communicating manifold; and an integrated support member located within the spacing and including one of a first portion of the support member disposed in an aperture in the first fluid communicating manifold and a second portion of the support member disposed in an aperture in the second fluid communicating manifold, the integrated support member including an upper cross portion and a pair of vertically extending arms affixed to the upper cross portion.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper cross portion includes an extended portion extending outside of a perimeter of a rectangle defined by the upper cross portion and the pair of vertically extending arms.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the extended portion of the upper cross portion supports a longitudinal support rail coupled to the first fluid communicating manifold.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertically extending arms include extended portions extending outside of a perimeter of a rectangle defined by the upper cross portion and the pair of vertically extending arms.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein a base of at least one of the vertically extending arms includes a support flange configured to fix the membrane module array to a support base.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated support member further comprises a base portion affixed to the pair of vertically extending arms, the base portion including extended portions extending outside of a perimeter of a rectangle defined by the upper cross portion, the base portion, and the pair of arms.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the upper cross portion includes extended portions extending outside of a perimeter of a rectangle defined by the upper cross portion, the base portion, and the pair of arms.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the extended portions of the upper cross portion is affixed to a manifold pipe coupled to the first fluid communicating manifold, and at least one of the extended portions of the base portion is affixed to a manifold pipe coupled to the second fluid communicating manifold.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated support member further includes a first portion disposed in the aperture in the first fluid communicating manifold and a second portion disposed in the aperture in the second fluid communicating manifold.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid conduit directly affixed to a manifold block located at an end of the spacing.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the support member is connected to at least one of the first fluid communicating manifold and the second fluid communicating manifold.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid communicating manifold and the second fluid communicating manifold comprise upper and lower manifolds and the membrane modules extend generally vertically therebetween.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the support members are connected together to form a support structure.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a pressurised membrane filtration system.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a non-pressurised submersed membrane filtration system.
 16. A method for providing structural support to an array of membrane filtration modules in a filtration system, the method comprising: forming a plurality of adjacent sub-groups of modules within the array of filtration modules by providing a spacing between a first plurality of modules forming a first sub-group and a second plurality of modules forming a second sub-group; mounting the plurality of sub-groups of modules to extend between a first fluid communicating manifold and a second fluid communicating manifold; and locating a structural support member including an upper cross portion and a pair of vertically extending arms affixed to the upper cross portion within the spacing and partially within an aperture in one of the first fluid communicating manifold and the second fluid communicating manifold.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting the support member to at least one of the first fluid communicating manifold and the second fluid communicating manifold.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting the upper cross portion to longitudinal support rails coupled to the first fluid communicating manifold.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting together the plurality of sub-groups of modules, a plurality of the support members forming a support structure for the plurality of sub-groups of modules.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising affixing the array of membrane filtration modules to a support base with support flanges coupled to the pair of vertically extending arms. 